Finally came the long anticipated evening.  Never before was there assembled in the old mansion of Mr. Manley a happier company than that which had gathered to witness the marriage of his daughter, whose young heart trembled in the fulness of its delight, as she uttered the sealing words of her union with one who possessed all her heart.

“May kind heaven bless you, my child!” murmured the mother, as she pressed her lips to those of her happy child.

“And make your life glide on as peacefully as a quiet stream,” added the father, kissing her in turn, scarcely refraining, as he did so, from taking her in his arms and folding her to his bosom.

Then came crowding upon her the sincere congratulations of friends.  O, how happy she felt Joy seemed to have reached a climax.  The cup was so full, that a drop more would have overflowed the brim.

A few minutes sufficed to restore again the order that had reigned through the rooms, and the servants appeared with the bride’s cake.  All eyes were upon the happy couple.

“You won’t refuse me now, James?” the bride said, in a low tone; but with an appealing look, as she reached out her hand and lifted a glass of wine.

There was a hesitation in the manner of Haley, and Clara saw it.  She knew that all eyes were upon them, and she knew that all had observed her challenge.  Her pride was roused, and she could not bear the thought of being refused her first request after marriage.

“Take it, James, for my sake, even if you only place it to your lips without tasting it,” she said, in a low, hurried whisper.

The young husband could not stand this.  He took the glass, while the heart of Clara bounded with an exulting throb.  Of course, having gone thus far, he had to go through the form of drinking with her.  In doing so, he sipped but a few drops.  These thrilled on the nerve of taste with a sensation of exquisite pleasure.  Involuntarily he placed the glass to his lips again, and took a slight draught.

Then a sudden chill passed through his frame as consciousness returned, and he would fain have dashed the glass from him as a poisoning serpent that was preparing to sting him, but for the company that crowded the rooms.  From this state he was aroused by the sweet voice of his young wife, saying, in happy tones—­

“So it has not poisoned you, James.”

He smiled an answer, but did not speak.  The peculiar expression of that smile, Clara remembered for many years afterwards.

“Come! you must empty your glass with me,” she said, in a moment after.  “See! you have scarcely tasted it yet.  Now—­”

And she raised her glass, and he did the same.  When he withdrew his own from his lips, it was empty.

“Bravo!”—­exclaimed Clara, in a low, triumphant tone.

“Now, isn’t that delightful wine?”

“Yes, very.”

“Did you ever taste wine before, James?” the bride laughingly said—­